Jason Allard EDC 102H September 10, 2010 Personal Expertise Statement I began creating and editing short films while I was in the seventh grade. My parents had just surprised me with a new video camera and I was more than eager to get started on filmmaking. The idea of having the ability to tell stories visually was very intriguing, and I wasted no time rounding up my friends to be the cast of my next big film. As the years went on I continued to create more videos and short films until I received a position working with a local film company, EverDot Studios. I began without knowing where the record button was on a camera and grew until I could make objects or people appear, combust, and multiply. I can create music videos, short films, and commercials and I am constantly learning new ways to improve upon my skill.
I developed my expertise in filmmaking through experience. I had no user’s guide for the camera and I wasn’t even aware that my old computer had a video-editing program. I found that trial and error is a very effective way to learn. I accidentally learned how to delete an entire project with one click and make myself disappear with two. I watched classic and new movies often to see the different techniques being used, and I attempted to copy them using my Sony camcorder. Although the process took many years and experiments I enjoyed every moment of it. When I was asked by my family where the interest came from I always thought back to my childhood.
I always wondered how directors made an explosion happen or how a person could be placed anywhere in the world just by standing in front of a green screen. My curiosity ultimately fueled my interest. I was so excited to use my thoughts and daydreams in a video that most of my early work makes no sense at all. When I look back I realize this only made me more interested in film because it doesn’t have to make sense. There are no borders, restrictions, or “right way” to do things. If I wanted to make a video about a competitive pancake eater who breeds polar bears then I could have it done as I imagine it.
My parents played an important role in cultivating my interest in filmmaking. They allowed me to create my own work and encouraged me to continue making more projects. In a more formal sense, the man I work with at the film studio has been very influential as a teacher. His professional background allows him to teach me tips and tricks I couldn’t learn on my own. Among other things, he taught me how to use a green screen and how to film underwater shots. Through him I was introduced to documentary filmmaking and advertising. In addition to this, I was allowed to use all the professional equipment. No more was I limited by my small Sony camcorder; I was brought into an entirely new area of filmmaking.
I feel very accomplished in what I’ve taught myself. Of course, when there is a high interest in any subject progress tends to be made much quicker. While my ability has improved over the years I am still not content and continue to change my filming style as techniques and equipment change. I’m looking forward to the future and what my ability has in store for me.
EDC 102H
September 10, 2010
Personal Expertise Statement
I began creating and editing short films while I was in the seventh grade. My parents had just surprised me with a new video camera and I was more than eager to get started on filmmaking. The idea of having the ability to tell stories visually was very intriguing, and I wasted no time rounding up my friends to be the cast of my next big film. As the years went on I continued to create more videos and short films until I received a position working with a local film company, EverDot Studios. I began without knowing where the record button was on a camera and grew until I could make objects or people appear, combust, and multiply. I can create music videos, short films, and commercials and I am constantly learning new ways to improve upon my skill.
I developed my expertise in filmmaking through experience. I had no user’s guide for the camera and I wasn’t even aware that my old computer had a video-editing program. I found that trial and error is a very effective way to learn. I accidentally learned how to delete an entire project with one click and make myself disappear with two. I watched classic and new movies often to see the different techniques being used, and I attempted to copy them using my Sony camcorder. Although the process took many years and experiments I enjoyed every moment of it. When I was asked by my family where the interest came from I always thought back to my childhood.
I always wondered how directors made an explosion happen or how a person could be placed anywhere in the world just by standing in front of a green screen. My curiosity ultimately fueled my interest. I was so excited to use my thoughts and daydreams in a video that most of my early work makes no sense at all. When I look back I realize this only made me more interested in film because it doesn’t have to make sense. There are no borders, restrictions, or “right way” to do things. If I wanted to make a video about a competitive pancake eater who breeds polar bears then I could have it done as I imagine it.
My parents played an important role in cultivating my interest in filmmaking. They allowed me to create my own work and encouraged me to continue making more projects. In a more formal sense, the man I work with at the film studio has been very influential as a teacher. His professional background allows him to teach me tips and tricks I couldn’t learn on my own. Among other things, he taught me how to use a green screen and how to film underwater shots. Through him I was introduced to documentary filmmaking and advertising. In addition to this, I was allowed to use all the professional equipment. No more was I limited by my small Sony camcorder; I was brought into an entirely new area of filmmaking.
I feel very accomplished in what I’ve taught myself. Of course, when there is a high interest in any subject progress tends to be made much quicker. While my ability has improved over the years I am still not content and continue to change my filming style as techniques and equipment change. I’m looking forward to the future and what my ability has in store for me.